SC Republican Apologizes For Comparing Michelle Obama To A Gorilla
South Carolina GOP activist Rusty DePass (right, with W.) offered a non-apology apology after posting on Facebook that Michelle Obama is related to a gorilla.
The exchange occurred after Trey Walker, an advisor to S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster, posted an innocuous Facebook update about this morning’s escape of a Western Lowlands Gorilla from Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo.
Walker’s harmless update, however was followed by a highly-questionable comment from longtime SCGOP activist and former State Senate candidate, Rusty DePass.
“I’m sure it’s just one of Michelle’s ancestors — probably harmless,” DePass wrote.
Busted by South Carolina political blogger Will Folks on his FITNEWS blog, DePass told WIS-TV in Columbia, “I am as sorry as I can be if I offended anyone. The comment was clearly in jest.”
Then he added, “The comment was hers, not mine,” claiming Michelle Obama made a recent remark about humans descending from apes. The Daily News could find no such comment.
And Mike Green, another Republican activist who works for gubernatorial candidate Adam Piper had this wonderful comment.
We anxiously await an apology for this one. Hopefully, Green won’t use DePass as a role model for apologies.
Those gosh darn republicans. Funny bunch aren’t they. I also liked the one where the republican party chairwoman (out in California I think) came up with Obama bucks depicting fried chicken and watermelons with food stamp emblems. She defended herself by saying “they were just pieces of food.” Riiiiiiiiiiightttttttt.
June 15th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Prick
June 15th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Maybe he will give a “letterman” style non-apologie.
average james Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Trouble with that is,
This guy is not a COMEDIAN.
Neither one actually.
Kregg Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
James said: Trouble with that is, This guy is not a COMEDIAN. Neither one actually.
K: Why are only “comedians’ allowed to make jokes that are tasteless or offensive? Is there a special license or permit of some kind that comedians can sign up for so they can slur people for money and be excused ‘because they are comedians’?
average james Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Kregg,
Didn’t you know about the special license ? Where have you been ?
Kregg Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
James said: Didn’t you know about the special license ? Where have you been ?
K: I looked it up on line – they’re available only to Libs…
EricG Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 2:26 am
“Why are only “comedians’ allowed to make jokes that are tasteless or offensive?”
Supposedly we have them for just this reason. They go crazy and people like broadcast journalists are supposed to more truthful and serious.
But then you have The Radio Comedian Rush Limbaugh making jokes about Democrats all day … so who really knows anymore.
I liked Bill O’Reilly’s comedy routine with Joan Walsh.
A real larf.
June 15th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Aw come on it was only a joke…lighten up. Raping 14 year old girls and gorillas in the mist…all funny ain’t it?
jazmine Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
No!
Kregg Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 11:30 am
It is apparently funny only when the joke is on a conservative.
RDM Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
I think Jane Goodall was a gorilla?
At least the locals begin to believe she was.
June 15th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
This guy is not a COMEDIAN.
Even comedians can not joke about a 14 year old being raped.
“I’m sure it’s just one of Michelle’s ancestors — probably harmless,”
He needed to apologize. And his first statement seems pretty strong. However, the fact that “she said it first” clearly weakens his position.
average james Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Who said rape ?
Conservatives ?
jackofhearts Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
So ARod impregnating 14 year old Willow would be consensual?
average james Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Jack,
He was refering to Bristol, 18.
4moreyears Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Yep, worse yet Sarah Palin is flinging the Rape word around and this only highlights her disgraceful record of Abandonment of Rape victims in Alaska the Rape capital of the US. Palin would not pay for Rape Kits because they contained a “morning after pill” but this was finally over-ruled by her own Republican legislature. Add on to that her firing of Monaghan her police chief for trying to start a statewide forum and study on Rape in Alaska. Is it any wonder that US voting women overwhelming rejected Sarah Palin?
Southern Girl Lib Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
And 4, in your own words, she thinks the raped must birth.
Palin/Bachman 2012 :))
flap Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
It just proves that modern feminists are nothing more than for abortion rights. A multi-talented, outspoken, successful woman who is not for unrestricted abortion in libs’ minds is “not really a woman”…just like a black person who is a Republican is “not really black.”
This rape argument is a straw man. It doesn’t matter if Palin was for the exception or for only restricting late-term abortion or whatever…she would still be DEMONIZED.
It’s horrible.
June 15th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
comedians can sign up for so they can slur people for money
Interesting point. A comedian can make money, millions even, to make tasteless jokes about people’s kids.
But if a businessman, working 70 hours a week, on the road 9 out of 10 days and providing products and services to the world community makes money……get a rope!
michael Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I give Letterman a little more leeway because he has to come up with dozens of jokes on a daily basis. Sometimes something tasteless and offensive slips in. That doesn’t make it right, but it’s more understandable than that type of joke being the only joke you ever tell.
Regardless, I’ll accept this guy’s apology just as I accept Letterman’s. He’s probably not really a racist…..I know plenty of good people who have made inappropriate jokes like that, as I’m sure many of you do too.
Kregg Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
MIchael said: I give Letterman a little more leeway because he has to come up with dozens of jokes on a daily basis. Sometimes something tasteless and offensive slips in. That doesn’t make it right, but it’s more understandable than that type of joke being the only joke you ever tell.
K: Michael, how does a ‘tasteless’ joke ’slip in’? How would you feel about a joke about Letterman’s son servicing pedophiles during the 7th inning stretch? Not funny? So what makes implying that Sarah Palin’s minor daughter participating in having sex with A-Rod funny?
jasperjava Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
If you have to explain the joke, then it’s not funny. When Letterman told the joke, the audience burst out laughing. It worked. Nobody was thinking about Willow specifically. People were just thinking, “Oh, yeah, the Palins, those trashy inbred hicks.” Everyone shares that assumption, and that’s what makes the joke funny.
Same with the “slutty flight attendant look”. It works even better than the “sexy librarian” stereotype that used to be attached to Sarah Palin. “Librarian” doesn’t work, because it’s unlikely that she ever cracked open a book her entire life.
Comparing Michelle to a gorilla dips into a very different set of cultural attitudes, steeped in white supremacy. Not so funny. Hate and humor are not a good mix.
The Letterman jokes poke fun at the Palins and their tabloid-fodder lifestyle, but not in a hateful way. You don’t have to hate Sarah Palin to find her laughable and ridiculous.
RDM Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Jasper & his “slutty flight attendant look”
Letterman hasn’t flown commercial in a while to make that comment. Wasn’t funny.
Comparing Michell to a Gorilla…harmless.
jasperjava Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Actually, I think comparing Sarah Palin to a slutty flight attendant is an insult to that profession.
If you think it’s alright to compare African-Americans to apes, there’s no hope for you. When’s the next cross-burning, RDM?
RDM Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
jasperjava…so you’re a liberal java dude?
Isn’t it ironic that the finest coffees in the World come from countries where no one has a reason to wake up in the morning?
That’s a joke Bulging Brain.
Um Cara Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Isn’t it ironic that the finest coffees in the World come from countries where no one has a reason to wake up in the morning?
You have clearly never seen Brazilian women, if you think Brazilians have no reason to wake up in the morning…
RDM Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Um Cara
Brazilian women…If they would just replace Juan Valdez and his burro with a Brazilian model… I’d be on my way to Rio.
Um Cara Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
If they would just replace Juan Valdez and his burro with a Brazilian model… I’d be on my way to Rio.
Juan is Colombian (Colombian women are ridiculously attractive as well, by the way)- so you would be on your way to Cartagena.
RDM Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Cartagena it is! Muchas Gracias.
Kregg Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Jasper said: Comparing Michelle to a gorilla dips into a very different set of cultural attitudes, steeped in white supremacy. Not so funny. Hate and humor are not a good mix.
K: Jas, so your statement ‘People were just thinking, “Oh, yeah, the Palins, those trashy inbred hicks.” ‘ is NOT hate filled?
Kregg Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Pino said: Interesting point. A comedian can make money, millions even, to make tasteless jokes about people’s kids.
K; Being a ‘comedian’ is simply an excuse to escape criticism. A conservative non-comedian says something ‘over the line’ in jest and its as if the world just ended, an effite liberal snob with commitment issues says things ‘over the line’ on a regular basis and its ok ‘because he’s a comedian’…
average james Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Yes it’s ok because he is a COMEDIAN.
Exactly.
I’m not saying I approve, I’m saying that is exactly what it is.
Kregg Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
James said: Yes it’s ok because he is a COMEDIAN. Exactly. I’m not saying I approve, I’m saying that is exactly what it is.
K: Well, then, I”m declaring myself an unpaid comedian and I’d like to tell a joke about David Letterman’s son servicing pedophiles during the seventh inning “stretch”. Get it? Ha Ha Ha Wow, this is fun… ;-)
TDro319 Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
K: “Well, then, I”m declaring myself an unpaid comedian and I’d like to tell a joke about David Letterman’s son servicing pedophiles during the seventh inning “stretch”. Get it? Ha Ha Ha Wow, this is fun… ;-)”
No. I don’t “get” it. Has his son been in the news lately pertaining to pedophiles or a seventh inning stretch?
Kregg Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
TD said: No. I don’t “get” it. Has his son been in the news lately pertaining to pedophiles or a seventh inning stretch?
K: No, but Palin’s daughter hasn’ ‘been in the news lately pertaining to’ being knocked up by baseball players. If you ‘get’ the one joke you ought to ‘get’ the other. If you find my ‘joke’ improper you ought to find Letterman’s ‘joke’ to also be improper.
jasperjava Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Palin’s daughter hasn’ ‘been in the news lately pertaining to’ being knocked up by baseball players.
As I recall, he was a hockey player.
Kregg Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Jasper said: As I recall, he was a hockey player.
K; He was a teen age boyfriend. And, neither he nor she is a ‘public figure’ any more than Letterman’s son is. So, why do you not laugh at my joke about Letterman’s son servicing pedophiles during the ’seventh inning stretch’?
June 15th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Alan said: We anxiously await an apology for this one. Hopefully, Green won’t use DePass as a role model for apologies.
K: I hope he won’t use Letterman as a role model for apologies.
June 15th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
These are just typical white southern republikkkan racists, so why would anyone expect, want, or care about any apologies they might pretend to offer, when everyone knows they consider blacks to be the lowest form of life on the planet?
And obviously they keep talking their racist garbage because they consider white racists to be their part of the electorate.
jasperjava Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
That’s all they’ve got left.
What gets me is that he didn’t even really apologize. “She said it first!” is not an apology. When did Michelle say anything about being descended from gorillas? Why would an intelligent, charming person say that anyway?
jackofhearts Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
A charming intelligent person wouldn’t…but since you lefties actually do believe that humans descended from apes, then what’s the beef?
jasperjava Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Science is now a “lefty” thing, is it? That’s great. That means that Republicans have given up on truth and scientific inquiry. But we knew that already.
Kregg Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Jasper, a lot of Cons believe in a Creator/God so might understandably reject what currently passes for “scientific inquiry” but Jack’s question still stands – if you believe that man descended from apes whats the problem with referring to MO being one? After all, its just a comedian ‘going over the line’ which is apparently perfectly ok for ‘comedians’ to do…
jasperjava Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Adding, we “lefties” don’t believe that humans descended from apes. We do accept the overwhelming scientific evidence, however, that humans, apes, and all life on earth share common ancestors. That’s not a “belief”, but a coherent scientific theory that is testable and fits observable phenomena.
Kregg Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Jasper said: That’s not a “belief”, but a coherent scientific theory that is testable and fits observable phenomena.
K: Of course it does…
jasperjava Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Kregg, you know perfectly well that to describe an African-American as a “gorilla” has a very unsavory cultural history. It’s not funny, because it’s an insult to all African-Americans.
Michelle Obama can’t help the fact that she was born with dark skin. It’s one thing about making fun of what people believe or their actions, because they choose those to a certain extent. But making fun of people for factors that are beyond their control is unfair.
That’s why Palin’s ignorance and stupidity and flirtaciousness are fair game. She doesn’t HAVE to act that stupid. She could educate herself if she wanted to, and stop trying to seduce voters with a wink and a wiggle. But she chooses not to.
RDM Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Whats up with Kunta & Kizzey? Are they related to the Obamas?
Say it ain’t so.
Kregg Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Jasper said: Kregg, you know perfectly well that to describe an African-American as a “gorilla” has a very unsavory cultural history. It’s not funny, because it’s an insult to all African-Americans.
K: Who are you to determine what is ‘funny’? Apparently Letterman has a license to determine such but this politician doesn’t? You don’t think referring to Palin as an uneducated hick doesn’t have an ‘unsavory cultural history’ implication to it?
J: Michelle Obama can’t help the fact that she was born with dark skin. It’s one thing about making fun of what people believe or their actions, because they choose those to a certain extent. But making fun of people for factors that are beyond their control is unfair.
K: So what excuse do you make for letterman’s making fun of Palin’s daughter?
J: That’s why Palin’s ignorance and stupidity and flirtaciousness are fair game. She doesn’t HAVE to act that stupid. She could educate herself if she wanted to, and stop trying to seduce voters with a wink and a wiggle. But she chooses not to.
K: Palin is a college educated GOVERNOR of a state. I doubt she’s as stupid as you wish to portray her. She may be inexperienced on the national stage but such is not proof of stupidity at all. So, you are left with justifying your savaging of her based on things she can’t control (your disagreement with her political positions) – which is exactly what you excoriate this guy for doing to Michelle.
RDM Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Ok folks, no bald headed jokes for Jasper’s sake, we must be fair.
jasperjava Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Go ahead. My hair follicles have all been fried by the tremendously powerful activity of my large, bulging brain. I don’t suffer from any insecurity from that.
flap Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
“Typical white southern republikkkan racists”
And in your mind, all white Southerners are racists, right? OH, wait, it’s just white Southern conservatives. Everyone else is pure and unbigoted as the wind-driven snow.
jackofhearts Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I guess those would be what their hero Robert Byrd calls white ni**ers?????
TDro319 Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Once again, Flap. I think you either have a reading or comprehension problem. Here is Rocky’s exact post:
“Typical white southern republikkkan racists”
Now where, in his above statement, does he say “conservative”? I don’t see it.
You assume all conservatives are republicans. This is a misconception. There are many conservatives who voted for Obama.
Southern Girl Lib Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
The south is often stereotyped, but since you and I both live down here Flap, I think you can be honest and admit we have more than our share. I am appalled when someone makes a racist comment in front of me, assuming I am racist also just because I have white skin. I always call them out by saying only ignorant and uneducated people think that way.
flap Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
I don’t call people out in public…it’s none of my business if people are idiots. I don’t call people out in public if they spout racism or crazy left-wing propaganda. I don’t necessarily see anything wrong with it depending on the comment, but it’s not my style.
Of course there are plenty of racists around. I will say, SGL, that I do distinguish between politically incorrect, racially insensitive speech versus being a racist. Nevertheless, we have our share, I will agree.
This was way before the election, but I was at a Public Storage place renting storage for a short time and there was this white guy who was nice enough to me, etc. We were having a decent conversation and somehow for some reason he used the “N” word. He wasn’t referring to ALL black people, but just certain ones. (I’m not saying it was appropriate, but I thought I’d put it in context.) Anyway, I cringed to myself and it was really awkward because I didn’t know what in the heck to say anymore. I wasn’t gonna chide him but I didn’t feel quite as warm in his presence. He didn’t seem like an evil guy, just a little uneducated, old school, and perhaps ignorant. So was he racist JUST because he used the “N” word? I wouldn’t say so, although he probably was. Anyway, I don’t have a real point to that story other than it made me very uncomfortable.
Was Rev. Wright racist because he said “them Jews”? No. Is Jesse Jackson racist because of “hymie town”? No. Is Dog the Bounty Hunter racist because he used the “N” word? No. Is Imus racist because of “nappy”? No. I’m not saying racism isn’t widespread but I still think we’re too sensitive about it.
TDro, you don’t think that’s a stereotype? How about this:
“Typical black urban Democrat gangstas”
You’re gonna sit there and tell me that is appropriate? Puhlease, TDro. Shovel it somewhere else.
Rocky the Liberal Rottweiler Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
““Typical black urban Democrat gangstas””
“You’re gonna sit there and tell me that is appropriate?”
Appropriate? Yeah, that’s exactly what we’d expect you to say.
June 15th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Those republikklans are so gosh darn funny. Yukking it up with racist jokes. I also enjoyed the one from (I think) the repubican woman from California sending out an email with Obama food stamp bucks with watermelons and fried chicken pieces. She defended herself by saying “It’s just pices of food!” She’s a barrel of laughs, can’t wait for the next one.
June 15th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
if you believe that man descended from apes whats the problem with referring to MO being one? ~ Kregg
Oh, I couldn’t agree more. Over at Gretawire, they yuk it up by a poster calling Michelle a monkey and the children niglets. Hilarious stuff, wouldn’t you say?
Kregg Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
SGL said: Oh, I couldn’t agree more. Over at Gretawire, they yuk it up by a poster calling Michelle a monkey and the children niglets. Hilarious stuff, wouldn’t you say?
K: Personally, I find any derision of BO and his family based on their race offensive. But I also find the double standard of who can be joked about – and for what – to be just as offensive. Sarah Palin’s daughter is not a public figure and Letterman should have left her off his joke list. However, the joke about Letterman’s son servicing pedophiles during the ’seventh inning stretch’ is just as funny as the one about Palin’s daughter engaging in sex with A-rod, don’tcha’ think?
Southern Girl Lib Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I’m not going to defend Letterman, it was tasteless and not funny. I think both sides need to cool it. The years and years of Hillary “jokes” (and some about Chelsea) were not funny either.
I do think Sarah is making too much of this issue. I believe David when he says he was referring to Bristol and I most certainly do not think he was implying the act of rape. Still doesn’t make it right though.
Kregg Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
SGL said: I believe David when he says he was referring to Bristol and I most certainly do not think he was implying the act of rape. Still doesn’t make it right though.
K: It makes the insult even worse precisely because he was NOT implying rape. He was implying consensual sex between Palin’s minor daughter and an adult which insults the Palin girl even MORE than rape would. Tacky…
flap Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
We’re too sensitive on both sides about jokes. Sure, it was inappropriate and a perhaps a little tasteless, but let it drop. Letterman apologized.
flap Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I meant for Palin to let it drop, I don’t care if Kregg or SGL talk about it. :)
jasperjava Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I do feel sorry for Willow, and Piper, and all the rest of the Palin kids. It must be tough for them to be dragged around with their Mom in search of every media circus she wants to bask in.
jackofhearts Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Funny is funny and you keep telling us to lighten up and put our big girl panties on. So…
June 15th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Jokes about raping a 14yr. old is NOT funny. I find it offense to say the least. And while I’m at it, how does one rape a gorilla? They’re not exactly lamb or goat like in nature.
Kregg Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Snoop said: Jokes about raping a 14yr. old is NOT funny. I find it offense to say the least. And while I’m at it, how does one rape a gorilla? They’re not exactly lamb or goat like in nature.
K: The joke was apparently about consensual sex since he did not say ‘rape’ at all. So, his joke was even more offensive since it implied that Palin’s daughter agreed to sex with A-rod.
sbj Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
for me Kregg a 14yr. old is a minor, whether the law states it or not.
Kregg Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I agree, but I don’t think littleman’s joke was that sophisticated. He implied she had consensual sex which directly impunes her morals whereas ‘rape’ would not.
June 15th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
‘ How does one rape a gorilla’ ?
I have no idea. How would you pick one out? They all look the same to me.
sbj Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
hehe! not to a gorilla. You’ll need to watch “Gorillas in the Mist” to see that they differ just like us humans.
Southern Girl Lib Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Only ignorant and uneducated people make racist jokes.
sbj Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Your right SGL, we need to leave the apes out of this…lol
RDM Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
SGL, yes thats true and I agree.
In his Cairo speech where Obama made Muslims feel so much more appreciated and understood, he called the Iranian president an ‘idiot”, without mentioning his name.
Now that’s a Funny racist joke.!
Kregg Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
SGL said: Only ignorant and uneducated people make racist jokes.
K: I disagree. I think people of all levels of education and knowledge can be – and are – racist and, therefore, make racist jokes. Ignorance and low education would be crutches to excuse such behavior and there IS no excuse for racism.
pizzaman Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Race-baiting is clearly on the rise, and yes, southern “conservatives” have more than their share of bigots. Note the quotes. Real conservatism, properly understood, has nothing to do with racism. If you don’t know this, then you don’t know real conservatives; you see only their caricatures. Caricatures which some liberals love to draw for political advantage. Imagine that — in this day and age, using race for political advantage.
Case in point: Alan’s “passive” use of the “N” word the other night. Someone called Alan to voice his objection to Letterman’s joke. At one point, Alan told the caller that he just didn’t have a sense of humor. The caller said he did, at which point Alan challenged him to tell a good one. The caller says: “What do you call a n—–on a 10-speed.” Alan let the whole word on the air, for everyone to hear. It was highly offensive to me, and I’m a white hispanic. If I were black, I would have been even more offended by this redneck. But it was Alan who published the racist word. To what end? To gain political advantage by caricaturizing southern conservatives as racist bigots. THAT, to me, is an illegitimate cheapening of the pain blacks have suffered because of that word for generations. Alan had no right to “use” blacks’ suffering that way. That, in itself, shows a complete lack of racial sensitivity. So stop the posturing, Alan, and make real arguments. Letterman’s joke was indefensible, but he at least had the sense to realize it (as Alan, did not)and apologize.
JFA Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
RDM, watch, now some gorilla is going to complain here about being to MO
RDM Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Ha, that would take 1st prize.
I can see it now… So much about that night in the Limo is a blur. The only thing that I remember is if I had stayed in and watched more TV rather than going to the party at the White House…well, I don’t have a clue.
June 15th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
He was implying consensual sex between Palin’s minor daughter and an adult ~ Kregg
He said he referring to Bristol, not Willow. And Bristol is not a minor. I believe him.
Still, once again, I’m not defending him and it’s not funny.
By the way, I bet Willow is horrified. She’s probably saying, enough already Mom!
Kregg Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 1:16 am
SGL said: He said he referring to Bristol, not Willow. And Bristol is not a minor. I believe him.
K: Why does it matter which one he was referring to? He joked that one of Palin’s daughters got pregnant engaging in consensual sex with an apparently known gigilo (I don’t follow A-Rod’s sexual proclivities) and that is uncalled for. Will he be making jokes about his own son servicing pedophiles during the seventh-inning ’stretch’? Wonder why not?
SGL: I bet Willow is horrified. She’s probably saying, enough already Mom!
K: Littleman ought to watch his mouth as I’ll be EITHER of Palin’s daughters could beat the living sh*t out of him and I’d be willing to buy them a plane ticket to do so.
June 15th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
People,
Rush has been saying the same thing as that guy
every other day.
Rush says” Ma Belle Michelle Obama” .
What do you think he means?
Folks, understand the street colloquialism; Rush is very good at it.
I demand an apology from el limbo; I’am outrage as Greta Vansestran/Fox.
jazmine Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Maybe it was his bad diction and he actually meant to say “My belle Michelle” which would hardly be considered an insult. I call my gf that often, as a form of endearment.
Just saying!
pierre Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
“Ma Belle Michelle” has the same connotation.
And I’am still outrage as fox.
JFA Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Pierre, “Ma Belle” in Italian anyway means My Beautiful, no? What’s wrong with that?
jazmine Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Not a damn thing! Thanks
pierre Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
That’s not how Rush uses it.
It’s like saying ” L’intelligent Bush”.
jazmine Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
One mustn’t get one’s “knickers twisted”, over a half bad colloquialism.
flap Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Sarcasm is now forbidden?
pierre Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Hey
Slut can also simply means dirty/ untidty;
ex. a slut dress.
Maybe that’s what Letterman meant.
jazmine Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Yes, it meant that also, in years past. Our language is a constantly changing thing.
And who knows what Letterman meant, they are all words of his writers anyway. Reading a joke on paper and then delivering it to a live audience( and media) creates two entirely different reactions. Something I’m sure he’s aware of. However, he will never know the reactions and the negative media blitz, it can create.
Kregg Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Pierre said: Rush says” Ma Belle Michelle Obama” .
K: No, he doesn’t. He says “MY belle”, as in the song “Michelle, my belle”.
June 15th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
He said he referring to Bristol, not Willow. And Bristol is not a minor. I believe him.
I think you’re right; the joke was about Bristol. But here is what makes Letterman MORE insidious than the other. See, the monolgue is a scripted, planned, rehearsed and time delayed thing. Very very much a production. These republican dumb a$$es, while stupid and ignorant, are sayin what they are sayin off the cuff.
Letterman example is much much more egregious.
pierre Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Vive Letterman!!
June 15th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
We seem to be getting off the topic here. Anyway…
(my comment on facebook)
Gee I wonder why African-Americans only make up 2% of the Republican party. And now I’m wondering why it’s even that high. Well there’s always Michael Steele.
What century are we living in for God’s sake?
So much for hatred and ignorance. But the pure STUPIDITY of advertising your racism on facebook and twitter in the first place!!
June 15th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Rush has been saying the same thing as that guy
every other day.
How is Rush different than Letterman.
Neither is holding or running for office. Both are providing entertainment for an audience measured by ratings. If it’s okay for an entertainer to speak in such a way that is tasteless, then it’s okay for an entertainer to speak in such a way that is tasteless.
pierre Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
So why is Fox news/Greta feeling so outrage about
the poor David; he is just a joker.
But , they feel reverence for El Rushbo.
June 15th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
If one believes in evolution then one must be related to apes. Just goes without saying. I, personally do not believe man evolved from apes, but, hey, to each his/her own. :)
June 15th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Politicians are dumb if they post jokes on the internets…especially racial ones involving the First Family! Not smart.
Daddio Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
You’re right Flap. Politicians are Dumb, with a capital D.
flap Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
I’m always right, Daddio. TDro knows that.
Daddio Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Oh no!! You’re gonna get it now Flap. TDro will never let that comment go. Hee, hee. I’ll add a little hot sauce here and say that TDro is always wrong. Hee, hee. :)
Hey TDro. I’m only kidding.
June 15th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Maybe DePass will give the same kind of apology Letterman gave the Palin girl. I think that would work.
Southern Girl Lib Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
So, Willy, racist jokes are ok with you?
Daddio Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
No. Where did you pick that up Southern Girl?
June 15th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Willy,
If one believes in evolution then one must be related to apes.
Huh? That makes no more sense than your thesis that God causes things like rapes and the Holocaust in order to ‘teach us a lesson’. Maybe the same person that taught you that nonsense taught you about evolution?
Daddio Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 8:22 am
If one does believe in the evolution of ape to man, then it only comes to reason that that belief would lead one to belief that all mankind evolved. And therefore his beliefs would only tend to make his ancestry those of the ape family.
Um Cara Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Who believes that man evolved from apes? Certainly not people who understands the theory of evolution.
Certainly someone as educated as Michelle Obama would understand that man did not evolve from apes.
Daddio Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 8:32 am
That is what I hear from evolutionists. You know, the missing link, all the depictions of an ape gradually evolving into a homosapien. I am sure you have seen them.
Um Cara Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 8:38 am
No, you don’t. You hear that kind of stuff from kooky evangelical ministers. And possibly from uneducated people.
Evil-lootion makes a monkey out of you and me
Evolutionary theory does not posit that man is decedent from apes.
Daddio Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Sorry Cara, but I never heard that from any evangelical minister. I have heard college professors speak about this. I have heard them speak of man evolving from the ape family.
Um Cara Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 8:49 am
I have heard them speak of man evolving from the ape family.
You either misunderstood them (likely), or they were wrong.
Evolutionary theory does not state that man evolved from the ape family.
craig7120 Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Ive dropped the word ‘theory’ when discussing evolution. Its true, imo.
UM again what a great book Greene has wrote, half way home. Entropy and its connection to the time arrow? wild stuff. The discussion of the 2nd rule of thermodynamics is way over my pay grade but Im hangin tough.
steve Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Hahahahheha Daddio,throwing liberal idealism of evolution into the mix to warrant your point. However his remarks wehre not of evolution of ape to man,but to disgrace the 1st Lady of the United States.
Daddio Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 8:33 am
I am not here to disgace anyone Steve.
Daddio Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 8:37 am
But I an not here to continue the debate about evolution. I find it rather boring.
I know I brought it up, but I do really find it boring.
steve Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Daddio
Not saying you are,but that fellow from state of SC did. I understand your point howeve tossing in evolution that alot of liberals trust in and some conservatives as well.
Daddio Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 8:42 am
I gotcha Steve.
She is our First Lady and I would never try to disgrace her. I may not agree with her ideology, but I think that is allowed. It is allowed isn’t it?
Um Cara Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Steve,
throwing liberal idealism of evolution into the mix to warrant your point.
Evolution is not a ‘liberal’ idea, it is well developed scientific theory.
Scientific literacy is neither ‘liberal’ or ‘conservative’.
steve Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 8:55 am
UM Cara
True,just saying liberals have taken up the cause of evolution and Daddio sticking it to liberals by using evolution ape to man knowing that person from the state of SC was not using evolution regarding the 1st Lady.
Um Cara Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 8:57 am
True,just saying liberals have taken up the cause of evolution
I can assure you I know many conservatives who are in favor of science being taught in science class, and bible studies being taught in Sunday school.
I suppose it is primarily conservatives who have taken up the anti-science cause (though certainly not all), but I do not thing the pro science position is limited to liberals.
steve Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Alot of conservatives are sounding crazy with questionable remarks daily from Steele to Bachmann to Rush to Keyes to Palin.
I want to hear a real debate from the GOP instead of petty remarks of insanity. To change NO to idealism and have some vision,insight and wisdom
America deserves better than to listen to extreme conservative insanity from lies to racial overtones and rantings of vile under sight.
Um Cara Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 9:23 am
I fully agree that the Republican party needs to get its act together.
America is not well served by only having a single functional party.
June 15th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
RDM Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
“Comparing Michell to a Gorilla…harmless.”
You’re wrong. VERY harmful. Mostly to the Republican party.
steve Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 7:58 am
Extermly true about the republican party. A daily occurance of insainty rantings from the ranks of the GOP.
Palin,Bachman,Keys,Rush,Savage,Cheney and a host of other cartoon characters are driving the GOP into the abyss.
June 15th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Out and out racist comment. Nothing more can save his sorry racist ass.
June 15th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
These headlines will help expand the GOP electorate for 2010!
June 15th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
I hope the rushpublican party and the neocons maintain the same amount of class through 2010. What a fine group of christian white men! All hail the great Rushbo and his Newt. White sheet sale in South Carolina this week.
flap Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 2:05 am
“White sheet sale in South Carolina”
Yeah, racists! In fact, let’s kill all the white people in South Carolina! We’ll teach them not to do or say immoral things!
RDM Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Flap,
You know southern folks don’t kill each other. Anything north of the Mason-Dixon line is another story.
steve Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 10:00 am
RDM
I can,t tell ! Here in southeastern Kentucky and Louisville seems to be the way of life in killing.
steve Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Hahahahaheoh ! The GOP sounds that way and having a sale for white sheet,hahahaheohohohha ! What about a sale for stright jackets as well.
June 16th, 2009 at 1:02 am
Hope everyone realizes this is Republicans playing to get the white racists on their side politically. And they should be held accountable for doing such.
June 16th, 2009 at 2:28 am
A great post from Alan’s facebook page:
Chris Policano at 4:14pm June 15
I would hope that, as a Latina woman, Sonia Sotomayor would — with the richness of that experience — make a wiser decision re: what to post on Facebook than Rusty DePass.
June 16th, 2009 at 7:59 am
[...] 2. I’ve talked about this already but if you haven’t seen this, check out The Good Kentuckian’s post. Yes, TGK is a “colbert-jesus general” type of blog. The information came from Alan Colmes’ blog. [...]
June 16th, 2009 at 9:03 am
I can assure you I know many conservatives who are in favor of science being taught in science class, and bible studies being taught in Sunday school.
This is true; I am one.
However, the science teach Ought not ridicule any student who suggests some form of “Intelligent Design”.
America deserves better than to listen to extreme conservative insanity from lies to racial overtones and rantings of vile under sight.
Then quit listening to it; turn Rush off, turn Hannity off. Levin too. And don’t let Alan rile you up.
craig7120 Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Then quit listening to it; turn Rush off, turn Hannity off. Levin too. And don’t let Alan rile you up. True Pino
It really is that easy.
pino Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Right. As a Conservative, I never listen to ‘em. Any of ‘em.
Kregg Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Pino said: However, the science teach Ought not ridicule any student who suggests some form of “Intelligent Design”.
K: Yup, especially when the status quo is ‘unintelligent non-design’.
craig7120 Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Other than looking in the mirror Kregg where do you find intelligent design?
What part of this world (earth) would you say is intelligent?
Where in the Universe do you find intelligence?
And is ’status quo’ the science community?
June 16th, 2009 at 9:39 am
However, the science teach Ought not ridicule any student who suggests some form of “Intelligent Design”.
And I agree with that. Teachers should not ridicule any student, period (though many do, for many reasons).
If a student brings up intelligent design, the appropriate response should be something like:
‘Yes Billy, there are some people who believe in intelligent design, however that is not today’s topic, and intelligent design will not be on the test.
Now, returning to today’s lesson…’
pino Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Correct.
The teach Ought discuss and teach science and math. However the “magic” of math works, it does. Designed or not designed.
By the way, am I alone in the feeling that Mathematics is the most fundamental form of Philosophy and Art?
craig7120 Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 10:34 am
NO you’re not alone. ‘Mathematics is the language of the universe’. that’s someones quote. Im horrible when I have to apply it but it has my deepest respect.
Kregg Reply:
June 16th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Pino said: By the way, am I alone in the feeling that Mathematics is the most fundamental form of Philosophy and Art?
K: You’re right handed, aren’t you?
June 16th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Why is no one upset with the 40% tax on asprin joke?
I take Ibuproen and they are not white.
Another Racist, tasteless joke!
GuidoVanHorn Reply:
June 17th, 2009 at 2:57 am
because the aspirin joke is funny…and it’s one of those racist jokes that really isn’t a racist joke, as it underscores a positive stereotype and does not directly mention other races in a negative fashion. People that are offended by the aspirin joke are generally offended by their own face in the mirror.
June 16th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
“Why is no one upset with the 40% tax on asprin joke?”
Well it’s just more of the same racism from the radical republikkkans that they’ve been spouting since the dawn of time.
June 16th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
[...] comes to their own behavior, there is less due diligence. They didn’t get upset about the half-assed non-apology by the South Carolina senator who compared Michelle Obama to a gorilla. And when another GOP [...]
June 18th, 2009 at 4:48 pm